Vehicular headlamp

ABSTRACT

A vehicular headlamp comprising: a front lens body extending in a predetermined direction; a plurality of optical systems disposed along the predetermined direction behind the front lens body; and a control means, wherein the plurality of optical systems each includes: a rear lens unit disposed behind the front lens body; and a light source which is disposed behind the rear lens unit and emits light which is irradiated forward permeating the rear lens unit and the front lens body in that order to form a light distribution pattern for a headlamp, and the control means individually controls lighting states of the light sources in each of the plurality of optical systems.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority of theprior Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-254053, filed on Dec. 28,2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a vehicular headlamp. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a vehicular headlamp thatcan achieve lighting appearance other than lighting appearance at thetime of forming a light distribution pattern for a headlamp is provided.

BACKGROUND

There is known a vehicular headlamp which includes a plurality of lowbeam optical systems each including a low beam lens and a low beam lightsource, and a plurality of high beam optical systems each including ahigh beam lens and a high beam light source (see, for example, PatentDocument 1 (FIG. 1, etc.)).

In Patent Document 1, a low beam light distribution pattern can beformed by turning off the high beam light sources and turning on the lowbeam light sources. In addition, a high beam light distribution patterncan be formed by simultaneously turning on the high beam light sourcesand the low beam light sources.

PRIOR ART

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2017-47815

SUMMARY

However, in Patent Document 1, there is a problem in that lightingappearance other than lighting appearance at the time of forming a lightdistribution pattern for a headlamp (e.g. the low beam lightdistribution pattern or the high beam light distribution pattern) cannotbe achieved.

The present invention has been made in light of the above circumstances,and it is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicularheadlamp that can achieve lighting appearance other than lightingappearance at the time of forming a light distribution pattern for aheadlamp.

According to an aspect of the embodiments, a vehicular headlampcomprising: a front lens body extending in a predetermined direction; aplurality of optical systems disposed along the predetermined directionbehind the front lens body; and a control means, wherein the pluralityof optical systems each includes: a rear lens unit disposed behind thefront lens body; and a light source which is disposed behind the rearlens unit and emits light which is irradiated forward permeating therear lens unit and the front lens body in that order to form a lightdistribution pattern for a headlamp, and the control means individuallycontrols lighting states of the light sources in each of the pluralityof optical systems.

According to this aspect, there can be provided a vehicular headlampthat can achieve lighting appearance other than lighting appearance atthe time of forming a light distribution pattern for a headlamp.

This is because the vehicular headlamp includes the control meansindividually controls lighting states of the light sources in each ofthe plurality of optical systems.

A preferred aspect of the above-mentioned invention is characterized inthat the vehicular headlamp further includes a detection means whichdetects a predetermined state, wherein the control means individuallycontrols the lighting states of the light sources in each of theplurality of optical systems, when the detection means detects thepredetermined state.

In addition, a preferred aspect of the above-mentioned invention ischaracterized in that, in the case of forming the light distributionpattern, the control means controls the lighting states of the lightsources in each of the plurality of optical systems at a first powerand, when the detection means detects the predetermined state, thecontrol means individually controls the lighting states of the lightsources in each of the plurality of optical systems at a second powerlower than the first power.

In addition, a preferred aspect of the above-mentioned invention ischaracterized in that the predetermined state is reception of a lockingsignal for locking a vehicle door, or an unlocking signal for unlockinga vehicle door.

In addition, a preferred aspect of the above-mentioned invention ischaracterized in that, the control means individually controls thelighting states of the light sources in each of the plurality of opticalsystems according to a predetermined lighting pattern, when thedetection means detects the predetermined state.

In addition, a preferred aspect of the above-mentioned invention ischaracterized in that the lighting pattern is a sequential lightingpattern.

In addition, a preferred aspect of the above-mentioned invention ischaracterized in that the plurality of optical systems includes an ADBoptical system, the ADB optical system includes: an ADB rear lens unitdisposed behind the front lens body; and N number of ADB light sourceswhich are disposed behind the ADB rear lens body and each emits lightwhich is irradiated forward permeating the ADB rear lens unit and thefront lens body in that order to form a light distribution pattern forADB, and the control means individually controls each of the N number ofADB light sources at a power which is 1/N of the second power, when thedetection means detects the predetermined state.

In addition, a preferred aspect of the above-mentioned invention ischaracterized in that the front lens body includes: a light incidentsurface extending in the predetermined direction and a light exitingsurface extending in the predetermined direction on a side opposite tothe light incident surface; and the light incident surface is a surfaceat which light from the plurality of optical systems enters the frontlens body, and the light exiting surface is a surface at which lightfrom the plurality of optical systems which has entered from the lightincident surface exits, and at least one of the light incident surfaceand the light exiting surface is a cylindrical surface in which acylindrical axis extends in the predetermined direction.

In addition, a preferred aspect of the above-mentioned invention ischaracterized in that the plurality of optical systems includes at leastone of a low beam optical system, a high beam optical system and an ADBoptical system, the low beam optical system includes a low beam rearlens unit disposed behind the front lens body and a low beam lightsource which is disposed behind the low beam rear lens unit and emitslight which is irradiated forward permeating the low beam rear lens unitand the front lens body in that order to form a light distributionpattern for low beam, the high beam optical system includes a high beamrear lens unit disposed behind the front lens body and a high beam lightsource which is disposed behind the high beam rear lens unit and emitslight which is irradiated forward permeating the high beam rear lensunit and the front lens body in that order to form a light distributionpattern for high beam, and the ADB optical system includes an ADB rearlens unit disposed behind the front lens body and a plurality of ADBlight source which is disposed behind the ADB rear lens body and emitslight which is irradiated forward permeating the ADB rear lens unit andthe front lens body in that order to form a light distribution patternfor ADB.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the vehicular light 10.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the vehicular light 10.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the vehicular light 10.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional diagram (sectional diagram takenalong the line A-A in FIG. 2) of the low beam optical system 30.

FIG. 5A is a longitudinal sectional view (view taken along the line B-Bin FIG. 2) of the ADB optical system 40 and FIG. 5B is a front view of asubstrate K2 mounted with ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d.

FIG. 6A is a diagram for illustrating a state where a dark portion D atwhich light from the low beam rear lens unit 31 and the ADB rear lensunit 41 does not pass through a portion of the front lens body 20corresponding to the interval S3 is generated. FIG. 6B is a diagram forillustrating a state where the dark portion D has been eliminated.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are examples of a positioning mechanism.

FIG. 8 is an example of an abutting surface 60 configured to support thestructure 50.

FIG. 9A is an example of a low beam light distribution pattern P_(Lo).FIG. 9B is an example of an ADB light distribution pattern P_(ADB). FIG.9C is an example of a high beam light distribution pattern P_(Hi). FIG.9D is an example of the high beam light distribution pattern P_(Hi).

FIG. 10 is an example of the light emitting regions A1 and A2 formed inthe front lens body 20.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are examples of the light emitting regions A1 and A2formed in the front lens body 20.

FIG. 12 shows examples of the light emitting regions A1 and A2 formed inthe front lens body 20 when the ADB optical system 40 is disposed behindthe low beam optical system 30.

FIG. 13 shows an example of the light emitting region A2 formed in thefront lens body 20 when ADB optical systems 40 are disposed adjacent toeach other.

FIG. 14 is an example of the control means 1.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart for explaining an example of control by thecontrol means 1.

FIG. 16 is a diagram (front view) for explaining a modification exampleof the vehicular lamp 10.

FIGS. 17A-17C are examples of an ADB light distribution pattern P_(ADB).

FIG. 18 is an example of a light diffusing element 21 a set in the frontlens body 20.

FIG. 19 is an example of a light diffusing element 21 b set in the frontlens body 20.

FIG. 20 is an example of a light diffusing element 21 c set in the frontlens body 20.

FIG. 21 is an example of a light diffusing element 21 d set in the frontlens body 20.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A vehicular lamp 10 (corresponding to a vehicular headlamp according tothe present invention) according to an embodiment of the presentinvention is described below with reference to the attached drawings.Corresponding components in each drawing are denoted by the samereference symbols and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the vehicular lamp 10. FIG. 2 is a topview of the vehicular lamp 10. FIG. 3 is a front view of the vehicularlamp 10.

The vehicular lamp 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is a vehicular headlamp(headlamp) and is mounted to, for example, the left and right sides onthe front end of a vehicle such as an automobile. Because the vehicularlamp 10 to be mounted to both the left and right sides has a symmetricalconfiguration, a vehicular lamp 10 mounted to the left side at the frontof a vehicle (left side facing the front of the vehicle) is described asa representative example of the vehicular lamp 10. Although notillustrated, the vehicle lamp 10 is arranged in a lamp chamberconstituted by an outer lens and a housing and is attached to thehousing or the like.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the vehicular lamp 10 includes a frontlens body 20, low beam optical systems 30 a to 30 h and Adaptive DrivingBeam (ADB) optical systems 40 a to 40 c (or high beam optical systems tobe described later). The low beam optical systems 30 a to 30 h all havethe same configuration. The ADB optical systems 40 a to 40 c also allhave the same configuration. The low beam optical systems 30 a to 30 hare collectively referred to as “low beam optical system 30” in thefollowing description if the low beam optical systems 30 a to 30 h donot need to be distinguished from each other. Likewise, the ADB opticalsystems 40 a to 40 c are collectively referred to as “ADB optical system40” if the ADB optical systems 40 a to 40 c do not need to bedistinguished from each other. The low beam optical system 30corresponds to a second optical system according to the presentinvention, and the ADB optical system 40 corresponds to a first opticalsystem according to the present invention.

The front lens body 20 is a lens unit that extends in a predetermineddirection (also referred to as a first direction herein). The front lensbody 20 is primarily responsible for condensing light from a rear lensunit (a low beam rear lens unit 31 and an ADB rear lens unit 41) whichpermeates the front lens body 20 in a second direction orthogonal to thefirst direction.

The front lens body 20 is formed through injection molding a transparentresin such as acrylic or polycarbonate. The predetermined direction is,for example, when viewed from above, a direction inclined by a recedingangle θ1 with respect to a reference axis AX1 which extends in a vehiclewidth direction as illustrated in FIG. 2, and, when viewed from thefront, a direction inclined by a splice angle θ2 with respect to thereference axis AX1 which extends in the vehicle width direction asillustrated in FIG. 3. The angles θ1 and θ2 are any angles from between0° to 90°.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the front lens body 20 includes a lightincident surface 21 extending in the first direction and a light exitingsurface 22 extending in the first direction on a side opposite to thelight incident surface 21.

The light incident surface 21 is, for example, a flat surface (forexample, a vertical surface). The light exiting surface 22 is formed asa semi-cylindrical surface (cylindrical surface) having a cylindricalaxis extending (in a line) in the first direction for condensing, in thesecond direction orthogonal to the first direction, the light from thelow beam optical system 30 and the ADB optical system 40 which exitsfrom the light exiting surface 22.

The low beam optical system 30 and the ADB optical system 40 aredisposed next to each other along the first direction behind the frontlens body 20.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional diagram (sectional diagram takenalong the line A-A in FIG. 2) of the low beam optical system 30.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the low beam optical system 30 includes thelow beam rear lens unit 31 disposed behind the front lens body 20, and alow beam light source 32 disposed behind the low beam rear lens unit 31and emits light which is horizontally irradiated forward at a seconddiffusion angle θ4 (see FIG. 10) larger than a first diffusion angle θ3to be described later, permeating the low beam rear lens unit 31 and thefront lens body 20 in that order to form a low beam light distributionpattern. The second diffusion angle θ4 is, for example, an angle from30° to 40°. The second diffusion angle θ4 can be adjusted by, forexample, altering the surface shape of a light exiting portion 31 b ofthe low beam rear lens unit 31. The low beam rear lens unit 31corresponds to a second rear lens unit according to the presentinvention.

In a general vehicular lamp, one projection lens is responsible forcondensing light in the first direction and light in the seconddirection orthogonal to the first direction. In contrast, in thisembodiment, two lenses (the front lens body 20 and the low beam rearlens unit 31) which make up a projection lens are responsible forcondensing light in the first direction and light in the seconddirection orthogonal to the first direction. More specifically, in thisembodiment, the low beam rear lens unit 31 is mainly responsible forcondensing light in the first direction and the front lens body 20 ismainly responsible for condensing light in the second direction.

The low beam light source 32 is a semiconductor light emitting elementsuch as an LED or LD having a rectangular (for example, a 1 mm²) lightemitting surface and is mounted to a substrate K1 with the lightemitting surface facing forward (to the front). The substrate K1 ismounted to the housing (not shown) using a screw or another means.

The low beam rear lens unit 31 includes a light incident portion 31 a(rear end portion), the light exiting portion 31 b (front end portion)on the side opposite to the light incident portion 31 a, an edge portion31 c provided between the light incident portion 31 a and the lightexiting portion 31 b, a reflection surface 31 d extending toward therear from the edge portion 31 c, and an extension surface 31 e extendingdownward from the edge portion 31 c. The low beam rear lens unit 31 ismainly responsible for condensing, in the first direction, light fromthe low beam light source 32 which permeates the low beam rear lens unit31.

The light from the low beam light source 32 which has entered the lowbeam rear lens unit 31 from the light incident portion 31 a is condensedtoward the edge portion 31 c in at least the vertical direction (up/downdirection in FIG. 4). As a result, a low beam light distribution patternbecomes relatively bright around a cutoff line.

The light exiting portion 31 b is formed as, for example, asemi-cylindrical surface (cylindrical surface) having a cylindrical axisextending in the second direction so as to condense, in the firstdirection, light from the low beam light source 32 which exits the lightexiting portion 31 b.

The edge portion 31 c is formed into a shape corresponding to the cutoffline of the low beam light distribution pattern. Although not shown inthe drawings, the edge portion 31 c has, for example, a Z-shaped stepportion.

In the low beam optical system 30 having the above-describedconfiguration, when the low beam light source 32 is turned on, the lightfrom the low beam light source 32 enters the low beam rear lens unit 31from the light incident portion 31 a and is partially blocked (shaded)by the reflection surface 31 d. Then, the light exits from the lightexiting portion 31 b together with light reflected off the reflectionsurface 31 d. At this time, the light exiting portion 31 b acts tocondense, in the first direction, the light from the low beam lightsource 32 which exits the light exiting portion 31 b. Then, the lightfrom the low beam light source 32 which has exited the light exitingportion 31 b passes through a space S1 between the low beam rear lensunit 31 and the front lens body 20, further enters the front lens body20 from the light incident surface 21 and is irradiated forward afterexiting the light exiting surface 22. At this time, the light exitingsurface 22 acts to condense, in the second direction, the light from thelow beam light source 32 which exits the light exiting surface 22.Thereby, the low beam light distribution pattern is formed.

In other words, the light intensity distribution is formed in thevicinity of the edge portion 31 c by the light from the low beam lightsource 32 that has entered the low beam rear lens unit 31. The low beamrear lens unit 31 (the light exiting portion 31 b) and the front lensbody 20 (which are functioning as a projection lens) project the lightintensity distribution forward. Thereby, a low beam light distributionpattern is formed.

FIG. 9A is an example of a low beam light distribution pattern P_(Lo).FIG. 9A illustrates an example of the low beam light distributionpattern P_(Lo) formed on an imaginary vertical screen (disposedapproximately 25 m ahead of the front of the vehicle) opposing the frontof the vehicle.

The low beam light distribution pattern P_(Lo) includes a cutoff line CLdefined by the edge portion 31 c on an upper edge.

As described above, the light from the low beam light source 32 whichpermeates the low beam rear lens unit 31 and the front lens body 20 inthat order forms a second light emitting region A2 which at leastpartially overlaps with a first light emitting region A1 to be describedlater in the front lens body 20.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are examples of the light emitting regions A1 and A2formed in the front lens body 20. FIG. 10 shows the light emittingregions A1 and A2 formed in the front lens body 20 from above. FIG. 11Ashows the light emitting regions A1 and A2 formed in the front lens body20 from the front. The symbol “E” in FIGS. 10 and 11A denotes a regionin which the first light emitting region A1 and the second lightemitting region A2 overlap.

In FIG. 10, the light from the low beam light source 32 which permeatesthe low beam rear lens unit 31 and the front lens body 20 in that orderis irradiated in the range of the second diffusion angle θ4.

FIG. 5A is a longitudinal sectional view (view taken along the line B-Bin FIG. 2) of the ADB optical system 40 and FIG. 5B is a front view of asubstrate K2 mounted with ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d.

As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the ADB optical system 40 includes an ADBrear lens unit 41 disposed behind the front lens body 20, and theplurality of ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d which are disposed behindthe ADB rear lens unit 41 and emits light which is irradiated forward inthe horizontal direction at the first diffusion angle θ3 (see FIG. 10)permeating the ADB rear lens unit 41 and the front lens body 20 in thatorder to form an ADB light distribution pattern. The first diffusionangle θ3 is, for example, an angle around 20°. The first diffusion angleθ3 can be adjusted by, for example, altering the surface shape of alight exiting surface 41 b of the ADB rear lens unit 41. The ADB rearlens unit 41 corresponds to a first rear lens unit according to thepresent invention.

In a general vehicular lamp, one projection lens is responsible forcondensing light in the first direction and light in the seconddirection orthogonal to the first direction. In contrast, in thisembodiment, two lenses (the front lens body 20 and the ADB rear lensunit 41) which make up a projection lens are responsible for condensinglight in the first direction and light in the second directionorthogonal to the first direction. More specifically, in thisembodiment, the ADB rear lens unit 41 is mainly responsible forcondensing light in the first direction and the front lens body 20 ismainly responsible for condensing light in the second direction.

The ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d are each a semiconductor lightemitting element such as an LED or LD having a rectangular (for example,a 1 mm²) light emitting surface and, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, aremounted to the substrate K2 with the light emitting surface facingforward (to the front). The ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d are arrangedin a row in the horizontal direction. The substrate K2 is mounted to thehousing (not shown) using a screw or another means.

The ADB rear lens unit 41 includes a light incident surface 41 a and alight exiting surface 41 b on a side opposite to the light incidentsurface 41 a. The ADB rear lens unit 41 is mainly responsible forcondensing, in the first direction, light from the ADB light sources 42a to 42 d which permeates the ADB rear lens unit 41.

The light incident surface 41 a is a surface at which the light from theADB light sources 42 a to 42 d enters the ADB rear lens unit 41.

The light exiting surface 41 b is formed as, for example, asemi-cylindrical surface (cylindrical surface) having a cylindrical axisextending in the second direction so as to condense, in the firstdirection, the light from the ADB light source 42 exiting the lightexiting surface 41 b.

In the ADB optical system 40 with the above-described configuration,when the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d are turned on, the light fromthe ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d enters the ADB rear lens unit 41 fromthe light incident surface 41 a and then exits from the light exitingsurface 41. At this time, the light exiting surface 41 b acts tocondense, in the first direction, the light from the ADB light sources42 a to 42 d exiting from the light exiting surface 41 b. Then, thelight from the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d which has exited the lightexiting surface 41 b passes through a space S2 between the ADB rear lensunit 41 and the front lens body 20, further enters the front lens body20 from the light incident surface 21 and is irradiated forward afterexiting from the light exiting surface 22. At this time, the lightexiting surface 22 acts to condense, in the second direction, the lightfrom the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d which has exited the lightexiting surface 22. With this configuration, an ADB light distributionpattern is formed.

In other words, the low beam rear lens unit 31 (the light exitingportion 31 b) and the front lens body 20 (which are functioning as aprojection lens) project light source images (the light intensitydistribution) of the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d forward. Thereby, alow beam light distribution pattern is formed.

FIG. 9B is an example of an ADB light distribution pattern P_(ADB). FIG.9B illustrates an example of the ADB light distribution pattern P_(ADB)formed on the imaginary vertical screen.

The ADB light distribution pattern P_(ADB) includes a plurality ofirradiation patterns PA1 to PA4 which are individually turned on/offthrough the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d being individually turnedon/off.

As described above, the light from the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 bwhich permeates the ADB rear lens unit 41 and the front lens body 20 inthat order forms, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11A, the first lightemitting region A1 in the front lens body 20. In FIG. 10, the light fromthe ADB light sources 42 a to 42 b which permeates the ADB rear lensunit 41 and the front lens body 20 in that order is irradiated in therange of the first diffusion angle θ3.

In the vehicular lamp 10 having the above-described configuration, ahigh beam light distribution pattern, which is a combination of the lowbeam light distribution pattern P_(Lo) and the ADB light distributionpattern P_(ADB), is formed by simultaneously turning on the low beamlight sources 32 and the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d.

FIG. 9C is an example of a high beam light distribution pattern P_(Hi).FIG. 9C illustrates an example of the high beam light distributionpattern P_(Hi) formed on the imaginary vertical screen.

As illustrated in FIG. 11A, the light emitting regions A1 and A2 areformed when the low beam light sources 32 and the ADB light sources 42 ato 42 d are simultaneously turned on. FIG. 11A shows examples of thelight emitting regions A1 and A2 formed when the low beam light sources32 forming the low beam optical systems 30 a and 30 b and the ADB lightsources 42 a to 42 d forming the ADB optical system 40 a aresimultaneously turned on. Although not shown, a light emitting regionsimilar to the light emitting regions A1 and A2 illustrated in FIG. 11Ais formed even when the low beam light sources 32 forming the low beamoptical systems 30 c to 30 h and the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 dforming the ADB optical systems 40 b to 40 c are simultaneously turnedon. With this configuration, the front lens body 20 can be visuallyrecognized as if the entire front lens body 20 is emitting light.

On the other hand, when the low beam light sources 32 are turned on andthe ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d are turned off, as illustrated inFIG. 11B, the light emitting region A2 is formed without the lightemitting region A1 being formed.

However, as illustrated in FIG. 11B, because the second light emittingregion A2 at least partially overlaps with the first light emittingregion A1, the user visually recognizes the region as if the first lightemitting region A1 is emitting light. In other words, the front lensbody 20 is visually recognized as if the entire front lens body 20 isemitting light, even though the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d areturned off.

The width of the portion at which the first light emitting region A1 andthe second light emitting region A2 overlap is preferably ⅓ or more thewidth of the first light emitting region A1. In addition, the width ofthe area in which only the second light emitting region A2 emits lightis preferably ⅘ or more the width when both the first light emittingregion A1 and the second light emitting region A2 are emitting light.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, when the front lens body 20 is disposed whilebeing inclined by the receding angle θ1 with respect to the referenceaxis AX1 extending in the vehicle width direction when viewed fromabove, the ADB optical system 40 is preferably disposed in front of andadjacent to the low beam optical system 30. The reason for this isdescribed below.

First, as illustrated in FIG. 12, when the ADB optical system 40 isdisposed behind the low beam optical system 30, compared to a case wherethe ADB optical system 40 is disposed in front of the low beam opticalsystem 30 (see FIG. 10), the region E in which the first light emittingregion A1 and the second light emitting region A2 overlap becomesnarrower. Therefore, the ADB optical system 40 is preferably disposed infront of the low beam optical system 30 in terms of expanding the regionE in which the first light emitting region A1 and the second lightemitting region A2 overlap. FIG. 12 shows examples of the light emittingregions A1 and A2 formed in the front lens body 20 when the ADB opticalsystem 40 is disposed behind the low beam optical system 30.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, when a plurality of the ADB optical systems40 are arranged adjacent to each other, the first diffusion angle θ3 issmaller than the second diffusion angle θ4, and hence a non-lightemitting region F is formed between the light one emitting region A2 andthe other light emitting region A2. Therefore, in order to prevent anon-light emitting region from being generated between two lightemitting regions, the ADB optical system 40 is preferably disposedadjacent to the low beam optical system 30. FIG. 13 shows an example ofthe light emitting region A2 formed in the front lens body 20 when ADBoptical systems 40 are disposed adjacent to each other.

As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the ADB optical system 40 ispreferably disposed in front of and adjacent to the low beam opticalsystem 30.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the plurality of ADB optical systems 40 a to40 c are preferably disposed in a dispersed manner instead of beingdisposed adjacent to each other (see FIG. 13). In addition, the low beamoptical systems 30 a to 30 h are preferably disposed between thedispersed ADB optical systems 40 and other ADB optical systems 40. Onelow beam optical system 30 or a plurality of low beam optical systems 30may be disposed between the dispersed ADB optical systems 40 and otherADB optical systems 40.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, among the plurality of low beam rear lensunits 31 forming each of the low beam optical systems 30 a to 30 h andthe plurality of ADB rear lens units 41 forming each of the ADB opticalsystems 40 a to 40 c, the low beam rear lens units 31 and the ADB rearlens units 41 disposed adjacent to each other are formed by injectionmolding a transparent resin such as acrylic or polycarbonate to formrear lens bodies L1 to L3.

For example, the rear lens body L1 is formed by integrally molding twolow beam rear lens units 31 forming the low beam optical systems 30 aand 30 b and one ADB rear lens unit 41 forming the ADB optical system 40a.

The rear lens body L2 is formed by integrally molding three low beamrear lens units 31 forming the low beam optical systems 30 c to 30 e andone ADB rear lens unit 41 forming the ADB optical system 40 b.

The rear lens body L3 is formed by integrally molding three low beamrear lens units 31 forming the low beam optical systems 30 f to 30 h andone ADB rear lens unit 41 forming the ADB optical system 40 c.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the rear lens bodies L1 to L3 are disposedalong a predetermined direction with intervals S3 therebetween behindthe front lens body 20.

FIG. 6A is a diagram for illustrating a state where a dark portion D atwhich light from the low beam rear lens unit 31 and the ADB rear lensunit 41 does not pass through a portion of the front lens body 20corresponding to the interval S3 is generated.

As illustrated in FIG. 6A, when the low beam light sources 32 and theADB light sources 42 a to 42 d are simultaneously turned on, the darkportion D is generated according to the size of the interval S3. Thedark portion D is generated because the light Ray_(Lo) from the low beamrear lens unit 31 and the light Ray_(ADB) from the ADB rear lens unit 41do not pass through the portion of the front lens body 20 correspondingto the space S3. As a result, there is a problem that the light emittingregion divided by the dark portion D is formed in the front lens body20, that is, an even light emission feeling of the front lens body 20can not be achieved.

FIG. 6B is a diagram for illustrating a state where the dark portion Dhas been eliminated.

In this embodiment, in order to prevent the dark portion D from beinggenerated in the front lens body 20, the low beam rear lens unit 31 andthe ADB rear lens unit 41 arranged adjacent to the interval S3 eachinclude a light exiting region A. From the light exiting region A, asillustrated in FIG. 6B, horizontal diffused light RayD which passesthrough the portion (dark portion D) of the front lens body 20corresponding to the interval S3 exits. Note that the light exitingregion A may be provided in both or one of the low beam rear lens unit31 and the ADB rear lens unit 41 disposed adjacent to the interval S3.

The light exiting region A is formed by, for example, adjusting thecurvature of a partial region in the light exiting portion 31 b of thelow beam rear lens unit 31 or a partial region in the light exitingsurface 41 b of the ADB rear lens unit 41 b disposed adjacent to theinterval S3 (for example, making the curvature of the partial regionsmaller than the curvature of other regions).

FIG. 7 is an example of a positioning mechanism.

The front lens body 20 and the rear lens bodies L1 to L3 each include apositioning mechanism which determines the relative positionalrelationship between these two components.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the front lens body 20 includes, as thepositioning mechanism, a protrusion 23 which is inserted into a recess51 provided in a structure 50 such as a housing to which the front lensbody 20 is attached. As illustrated in FIG. 7B, protrusions 23 aredisposed along a straight line Li1 inclined by the receding angle θ1with respect to the reference axis AX1 extending in the vehicle widthdirection when viewed from above (two places in FIG. 7B). When viewedfrom the front, the straight line Li1 extends in a direction inclined bythe splice angle θ2 with respect to the reference axis AX1 extending inthe vehicle width direction.

The rear lens bodies L1 to L3 each include, as the positioningmechanism, a protrusion La which is inserted into a recess 52 providedin the structure 50 such as a housing to which the rear lens bodies L1to L3 are attached. As illustrated in FIG. 7B, protrusions La aredisposed along a straight line Li2 inclined by the receding angle θ1with respect to the reference axis AX1 extending in the vehicle widthdirection (two places in FIG. 7B). When viewed from the front, thestraight line Li2 extends in a direction inclined by the splice angle θ2with respect to the reference axis AX1 extending in the vehicle widthdirection.

FIG. 8 is an example of an abutting surface 60 which supports thestructure 50.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the abutting surface 60 which supports thestructure 50 is provided parallel to a straight line Li3 inclined by thesplice angle θ2 with respect to the reference axis AX1 extending in thevehicle width direction when viewed from the front.

Next, a control means 1 which individually controls lighting states ofthe low beam light sources 32 of each of the low beam optical systems 30a to 30 h and the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d of each of the ADBoptical systems 40 a to 40 c is described.

FIG. 14 is an example of the control means 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the control means 1 is configured of, forexample, a lighting control circuit 2 and a control unit 3 such as anElectronic Control Unit (ECU).

The low beam light sources 32 of each of the low beam optical systems 30a to 30 h are connected to each other in series. A drive voltage isapplied to both ends of the low beam light sources 32 connected inseries. In addition, switching elements SW_(Lo1) to SW_(Lo8) such asbipolar transistors are connected in parallel to each of the low beamlight sources 32. The switching elements SW_(Lo1) to SW_(Lo8) areincluded in, for example, the lighting control circuit 2. The switchingelements SW_(Lo1) to SW_(Lo8) all have the same configuration. Herein,the switching elements SW_(Lo1) to SW_(Lo8) are collectively referred toas “switching elements SW_(Lo)” when the switching elements SW_(Lo1) toSW_(Lo8) do not need to be distinguished from each other.

The switching elements SW_(Lo) are turned on/off using a D1 duty cyclePWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal. The PWM signal is supplied from thecontrol unit 3. When the switching elements SW_(Lo) are turned on, thelow beam light sources 32 connected in parallel to the switchingelements SW_(Lo) turn off. On the other hand, when the switchingelements SW_(Lo) are turned off, the low beam light sources 32 connectedin parallel to the switching elements SW_(Lo) turn on.

Similarly, the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d of each of the ADB opticalsystems 40 a to 40 c are connected to each other in series. A drivevoltage is applied to either end of the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 dconnected in series. In addition, switching elements SW_(ADB1) toSW_(ADB12) such as bipolar transistors are connected in parallel to eachof the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d. The switching elements SW_(ADB1)to SW_(ADB12) are included in, for example, the lighting control circuit2. The switching elements SW_(ADB1) to SW_(ADB12) all have the sameconfiguration. Herein, the switching elements SW_(ADB1) to SW_(ADB12)are collectively referred to as “switching elements SW_(ADB)” when theswitching elements SW_(ADB1) to SW_(ADB12) do not need to bedistinguished from each other.

The switching elements SW_(ADB) are turned on/off using the D1 dutycycle PWM signal. The PWM signal is supplied from the control unit 3.When the switching elements SW_(ADB) are turned on, the ADB lightsources 42 a to 42 d connected in parallel to the switching elementsSW_(ADB) turn off. On the other hand, when the switching elementsSW_(ADB) are turned off, the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d connected inparallel to the switching elements SW_(ADB) turn on.

Because the low beam light sources 32 and the ADB light sources 42 a to42 d are connected to each other as described above, the control unit 3can individually control the lighting states of the low beam lightsources 32 and the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d by applying the D1duty cycle PWM signal to the switching elements SW_(Lo) and SW_(ADB).

A receiver 4 is connected to the control unit 3. The receiver 4 receivesa locking signal for locking a vehicle door or an unlocking signal forunlocking the vehicle door. These signals are transmitted using a carkey carried by the user, for example, a driver.

When the low beam light distribution pattern is to be formed, thecontrol unit 3 controls the lighting states of the low beam lightsources 32 of each of the low beam optical systems 30 a to 30 h at afirst power. Similarly, when a high beam light distribution pattern isto be formed, the control unit 3 controls the lighting states of the lowbeam light sources 32 of each of the low beam optical systems 30 a to 30h and the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d of each of the ADB opticalsystems 40 a to 40 h at the first power.

If a predetermined state is detected, for example, if reception of thelocking signal for locking the vehicle door or the unlocking signal forunlocking the vehicle door is detected (or if the vehicle door hasactually been locked or unlocked on the basis of receiving the lockingsignal for locking the vehicle door or the unlocking signal forunlocking the vehicle door), the control unit 3 individually controlsthe lighting states of low beam light sources 32 of each of the low beamoptical systems 30 a to 30 h and the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d ofeach of the ADB optical systems 40 a to 40 h at a second power lowerthan the first power. The control unit 3 corresponds to a detectionmeans according to the present invention.

Next, an example of control by the control means 1 is described.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart for explaining an example of control by thecontrol means 1.

The following processing is executed by, for example, running a controlprogram that a CPU in the control means 1 (control unit 3) reads from aROM to a RAM (neither shown).

First, the control unit 3 determines whether or not the receiver 4 hasreceived the locking signal or the unlocking signal transmitted from thecar key carried by the user (Step S10).

If the result of this determination indicates that no locking signal orunlocking signal has been received (Step S10: No), the control unit 3determines if a headlamp switch (not shown) in the vehicle has beenswitched to a low beam setting or a high beam setting (Step S11).

If the result of this determination indicates that the headlamp switchhas been switched to the low beam setting (Step S11: Low beam), thecontrol unit 3 turns on the low beam light sources 32 and turns off theADB light sources 42 a to 42 d (Step S12). For example, the control unit3 applies a 100% duty cycle PWM signal to each of the switching elementsSW_(Lo1) to SW_(Lo8) and supplies each of the low beam light sources 32with the first power to simultaneously turn on the low beam lightsources 32. In addition, the control unit 3 applies a 0% duty cycle PWMsignal to each of the switching elements SW_(ADB1) to SW_(ADB12) anddoes not supply the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d with power, tothereby turn off the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d.

As a result, the low beam light distribution pattern P_(Lo) (see FIG.9A) is formed.

On the other hand, if the result of the determination in S11 indicatesthat the headlamp switch has been switched to the high beam setting(Step S11: High beam), the control unit 3 simultaneously turns on thelow beam light sources 32 and the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d (StepS13). For example, the control unit 3 applies a 100% duty cycle PWMsignal to each of the switching elements SW_(Lo1) to SW_(Lo8) andsupplies each of the low beam light sources 32 with the first power W1to turn on the low beam light sources 32. In addition, the control unit3 applies a 25% duty cycle PWM signal to each of the switching elementsSW_(ADB1) to SW_(ADB12) and supplies the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 dwith power equivalent to ¼ of the first power W1 to turn on the ADBlight sources 42 a to 42 d. With this configuration, the ADB lightsources 42 a to 42 d can be turned on at the same brightness as the lowbeam light sources 32. Note that the “4” in the expression “¼ of thefirst power W1” indicates the number of ADB light sources 42 a to 42 dand corresponds to “N” according to the present invention.

As a result, the high beam light distribution pattern P_(Hi) (see FIG.9C) which is a combination of the low beam light distribution patternP_(Lo) and the ADB light distribution pattern P_(ADB) is formed.

Alternatively, if the result of the determination in S10 indicates thata locking signal or an unlocking signal has been received (Step S10:Yes), the control unit 3 individually controls the lighting states ofthe low beam light sources 32 and the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 daccording to a preset lighting pattern (Step S14).

The preset lighting pattern is, for example, a sequential lightingpattern such as that described below.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, when the low beam optical systems 30 a to 30 hand the ADB optical systems 40 a to 40 c are disposed, all the lightsources 32 and 42 a to 42 d of the low beam optical systems 30 a to 30 hand the ADB optical systems 40 a to 40 c are first turned off. Then,only the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d of the ADB optical system 40 aare simultaneously turned on. Next, the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 dof the ADB optical system 40 a are turned off and only the low beamlight source 32 of the low beam optical system 30 a is turned on. Then,the low beam light source 32 of the low beam optical system 30 a isturned off and only the low beam light source 32 of the low beam opticalsystem 30 b is turned on. Through repeating a similar on/off pattern,there can be achieved a sequential lighting pattern which is visuallyrecognized as if the lit portion moves from left to right in FIG. 1.

By viewing this lighting pattern, the user can grasp that the vehicledoor has been locked or unlocked.

As described above, through individually controlling the lighting statesof the light sources 32 and 42 a to 42 d of the low beam optical systems30 a to 30 h and the ADB optical systems 40 a to 40 c, a reply(notification) can be sent indicating that the vehicle door has beenlocked or unlocked.

Note that if the low beam light sources 32 are to be turned on in S14,the control unit 3 preferably applies, for example, a 50% duty cycle PWMsignal to the switching elements SW_(Lo) and supplies the low beam lightsources 32 with the second power W2 which is lower than the first powerW1, to thereby turn on the low beam light sources 32 (in other words,turn on the low beam light sources 32 at a brightness lower than thatwhen forming the low beam light distribution pattern). In addition, ifthe ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d are to be turned on in S14, thecontrol unit 3 preferably applies, for example, a 12.5% duty cycle PWMsignal to the switching elements SW_(ADB) and supplies the ADB lightsources 42 a to 42 d with a power that is ¼ of the second power W2, tothereby turn on the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d (in other words, turnon the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d at a brightness lower than thatwhen forming the ADB light distribution pattern).

Next, an example of setting a light diffusing element (also referred toas a “dimple”) in the front lens body 20 is described.

[Case where no light diffusing element is set in front lens body 20] Asillustrated in FIG. 3, if no light diffusing element is set in frontlens body 20 extending in the direction inclined by the splice angle θ2with respect to the reference axis AX1 which extends in the vehiclewidth direction, the ADB light distribution pattern P_(ADB) illustratedin FIG. 17A is formed on the imaginary vertical screen when, forexample, one light source among the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d whichform the ABD optical system 40 a is turned on.

In contrast, in order to improve the feel of light distribution, theinventors of the present invention investigated blurring the ADB lightdistribution pattern P_(ADB) in the horizontal direction and thevertical direction by setting a light diffusion element in the frontlens body 20.

[Case where light diffusing element is set in front lens body 20] FIG.18 is an example of a light diffusing element 21 a set in the front lensbody 20.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, the inventors of the present inventiondivided a region of the front lens body 20 (for example, a partialregion of the light incident surface 21) permeated by light from the ADBoptical system 40 into a plurality of rectangular regions using aplurality of horizontal straight lines L_(H) and a plurality of verticalstraight lines L_(V). One light diffusing element 21 a was set in eachof the plurality of rectangular regions. The light diffusing element 21a is a light diffusing element (for example, a convex lens whichprotrudes toward the rear of the vehicle) which diffuses the light fromthe ADB optical system 40 in horizontal and vertical directions.

The inventors of the present invention conducted a simulation and foundthat, when the light diffusing element 21 a is disposed as illustratedin FIG. 18, the ADB light distribution pattern P_(ADB) does not blur inthe horizontal and vertical directions and instead, as illustrated inFIG. 17B, blurs in directions inclined relative to the horizontal andvertical directions (see the arrows in FIG. 17B).

As a result, the inventors of the present invention eagerly studied howto blur the ADB light distribution pattern P_(ADB) in the horizontaldirection and the vertical direction.

FIG. 19 is an example of a light diffusing element 21 b set in the frontlens body 20.

As a result, the inventors of the present invention found that, asillustrated in FIG. 19, the ADB light distribution pattern P_(ADB) canbe blurred in the horizontal and vertical directions (see the arrows inFIG. 17C) as illustrated in FIG. 17C by dividing a region of the frontlens body 20 (for example, a partial region of the light incidentsurface 21 or the light exiting surface 22) permeated by light from theADB optical system 40 into a plurality of rectangular regions with aplurality of straight lines LA extending in the first direction(direction inclined by the splice angle θ2 with respect to the referenceaxis AX1) and a plurality of straight lines LB extending in the seconddirection orthogonal to the first direction, and setting one lightdiffusing element 21 b in each rectangular region. The light diffusingelement 21 b is a light diffusing element (for example, a convex lenswhich protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle) which diffuses the lightfrom the ADB optical system 40 in the first and second directions.

The cross-sectional shape of the light diffusing element 21 b(rectangular region) when cut along a plane orthogonal to the firstdirection and a plane orthogonal to the second direction is a continuouscurved shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the lightdiffusing element 21 b (rectangular region) is a curved shape (forexample, a convex curved shape protruding toward the rear of thevehicle) slightly expanded toward the center from either end of thecross-sectional shape, or a curved shape (for example, a concave curvedshape recessed toward the rear of the vehicle) slightly recessed towardthe center from either end of the cross-sectional shape.

FIG. 20 is an example of a light diffusing element 21 c set in the frontlens body 20.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the inventors of the presentinvention found that vertical edges (see the vertical edges e1 and e4 inFIG. 9B) of the ADB light distribution pattern P_(ADB) can be blurred inthe horizontal direction by dividing a region of the front lens body 20(for example, a partial region of the light incident surface 21 or thelight exiting surface 22) permeated by light from the ADB optical system40 into a plurality of long and thin regions with the plurality ofstraight lines LB extending in the second direction orthogonal to thefirst direction and setting one light diffusing element 21 c in eachlong and thin region. The light diffusing element 21 c is a lightdiffusing element (for example, a cylindrical surface extending in thesecond direction) which diffuses the light from the ADB optical system40 in the first direction.

The cross-sectional shape of the light diffusing element 21 c (long andthin region) when cut along a plane orthogonal to the second directionis a continuous curved shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape ofthe light diffusing element 21 c (long and thin region) is a curvedshape (for example, a convex curved shape protruding toward the rear ofthe vehicle) slightly expanded toward the center from either end of thecross-sectional shape or a curved shape (for example, a concave curvedshape recessed toward the rear of the vehicle) slightly recessed towardthe center from either end of the cross-sectional shape.

FIG. 21 is an example of a light diffusing element 21 d set in the frontlens body 20.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 21, the inventors of the presentinvention found that the cutoff line CL (see FIG. 9A) of the low beamlight distribution pattern P_(Lo) can be blurred in the verticaldirection by dividing a region of the front lens body 20 (for example, apartial region of the light incident surface 21 or the light exitingsurface 22) permeated by light from the low beam optical system 30 intoa plurality of long and thin regions with the plurality of straightlines LA extending in the first direction and setting one lightdiffusing element 21 d in each long and thin region. The light diffusingelement 21 d is a light diffusing element (for example, a cylindricalsurface extending in the first direction) which diffuses the light fromthe low beam optical system 30 in the second direction.

The cross-sectional shape of the light diffusing element 21 d (long andthin region) when cut along a plane orthogonal to the first direction isa continuous curved shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of thelight diffusing element 21 d (long and thin region) is a curved shape(for example, a convex curved shape protruding toward the rear of thevehicle) slightly expanded toward the center from either end of thecross-sectional shape or a curved shape (for example, a concave curvedshape recessed toward the rear of the vehicle) slight recessed towardthe center from either end of the cross-sectional shape.

As described above, according to this embodiment, there can be providedthe vehicular lamp 10 which can achieve lighting appearance (forexample, a sequential lighting pattern) other than lighting appearanceat the time of forming a light distribution pattern for a headlamp (e.g.the low beam light distribution pattern or the high beam lightdistribution pattern).

This is because the vehicular lamp 10 includes the control means 1 whichindividually controls the lighting states of the low beam light sources32 of each of the low beam optical systems 30 a to 30 h and the ADBlight sources 42 a to 42 d of each of the ADB optical systems 40 a to 40c.

In addition, according to this embodiment, there can be provided avehicular lamp 10 in which a light emitting region does not change (orhardly changes) both when the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d (or highbeam light sources to be described later) are turned off and the lowbeam light sources 32 are turned on, and when both the ADB light sources42 a to 42 d (or high beam light sources to be described later) and thelow beam light sources 32 are simultaneously turned on.

This is because, when the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d (or high beamlight sources to be described later) are turned off and the low beamlight sources 32 are turned on, the second light emitting region A2which at least partially overlaps with the first light emitting regionA1 is formed in the front lens body 20 by horizontally diffusing thelight from the low beam light sources 32, which permeates the low beamrear lens unit 31 and the front lens body 20 in that order, at thesecond diffusion angle θ4 which is larger than the first diffusion angleθ3.

Further, according to this embodiment, there can be provided the vehiclelamp 10 which has a good line-shaped appearance.

This is because, as illustrated in FIG. 2, one front lens body 20extends in the predetermined direction without being segmented, and aplurality of optical systems (the low beam rear lens unit 31 and the ADBrear lens unit 41) are disposed along the predetermined direction behindthe front lens body 20 which extends in the predetermined directionwithout being segmented.

Further, according to this embodiment, because a plurality of rear lensunits (the low beam rear lens unit 31 and the ADB rear lens unit 41) areintegrally molded in units of rear lens bodies, such as the rear lensbodies L1 to L3, molding is made easier compared to a case where all ofthe plurality of rear lens units are molded integrally.

In addition, according to this embodiment, even when, for example, therear lens body L1 (corresponding to a first rear lens body according tothe present invention) and the rear lens body L2 (corresponding to asecond rear lens body according to the present invention) are disposedwith the interval S3 (see FIG. 6A) therebetween, the dark portion Dthrough which light does not pass can be prevented from being generatedat the portion of the front lens body 20 corresponding to the intervalS3 (see FIG. 6B).

This is because, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, the rear lens units (lowbeam rear lens unit 31 and ADB rear lens unit 41) arranged adjacent tothe interval S3 include the light exiting region A, and horizontaldiffused light which passes through the portion of the front lens body20 corresponding to the interval S3 exits from the light exiting regionA.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the relative positionalrelationship between the front lens body 20 and the rear lens bodies L1to L3 can be determined because the front lens body 20 and the rear lensbodies L1 to L3 each include the positioning mechanism which determinesthe relative positional relationship between these components.

Next, a modification example is described.

In the above-described embodiment, a flat surface (for example, avertical surface) is used for the light incident surface 21 of the frontlens body 20 and a semi-cylindrical surface (cylindrical surface) havinga cylindrical axis extending in the first direction is used for thelight exiting surface 22 of the front lens body 20, but the presentinvention is not limited to this example.

For example, a semi-cylindrical surface (cylindrical surface) having acylindrical axis extending in the first direction may be used for thelight incident surface 21 of the front lens body 20 and a flat surface(for example, a vertical surface) may be used for the light exitingsurface 22 of the front lens body 20.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a semi-cylindrical surface(cylindrical surface) having a cylindrical axis extending in the seconddirection is used for the light exiting portion 31 b of the low beamrear lens unit 31, but the present invention is not limited to thisexample.

For example, a convex lens surface protruding toward the front of thevehicle may be used for the light exiting portion 31 b of the low beamrear lens unit 31. The same applies to the light exiting surface 41 b ofthe ADB rear lens unit 41.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the ADB optical system 40 isused for the first optical system, but the present invention is notlimited to this example.

For example, a high beam optical system may be used for the firstoptical system.

Note that, although not shown, the high beam optical system includes,for example, a high beam rear lens unit disposed behind the front lensbody 20 and a high beam light source disposed behind the high beam rearlens unit and emits light which is horizontally irradiated forward atthe first diffusion angle θ3 permeating the high beam rear lens unit andthe front lens body 20 in that order to form a high beam lightdistribution pattern.

FIG. 9D is an example of the high beam light distribution patternP_(Hi). FIG. 9D shows an example of the high beam light distributionpattern P_(Hi) formed on the imaginary vertical screen.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a plurality of rear lensunits (the low beam rear lens unit 31 and the ADB rear lens unit 41) areintegrally molded in units of rear lens bodies, such as the rear lensbodies L1 to L3, but the present invention is not limited to thisexample. The plurality of rear lens units (the low beam rear lens unit31 and the ADB rear lens unit 41) may be molded so as to be physicallyindependent from each other without being molded integrally.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the front lens body 20includes, as a positioning mechanism, the protrusion 23 which isinserted into the recess 51 provided in the structure 50 such a housing,but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example,although not shown, the front lens body 20 may include, as thepositioning mechanism, a recess into which a protrusion formed on thestructure 50 such as a housing is inserted.

Similarly, in the above-described embodiment, the rear lens bodies L1 toL3 each include, as a positioning mechanism, the protrusion La insertedinto the recess 52 provided in the structure 50 such a housing, but thepresent invention is not limited to this example. For example, althoughnot shown, the rear lens bodies L1 to L3 may each include, as thepositioning mechanism, a recess into which a protrusion formed on thestructure 50 such as a housing is inserted.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the lighting states ofthe low beam light sources 32 of each of the low beam optical systems 30a to 30 h and the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d of each of the ADBoptical systems 40 a to 40 c are individually controlled, but thepresent invention is not limited to this example.

FIG. 16 is a diagram (front view) for explaining a modification exampleof the vehicular lamp 10.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 16, a vehicular lamp 70 different tothe vehicular lamp 10 may be disposed adjacent to the vehicular lamp 10and the lighting states of the low beam light sources 32 of each of thelow beam optical systems 30 a to 30 h, the ADB light sources 42 a to 42d of each of the ADB optical systems 40 a to 40 c and the light sourceof the vehicular lamp 70 (not shown) may be individually controlled. Thevehicular lamp 70 is, for example, a DRL lamp, a position lamp or anindicator lamp. The light source of the vehicular lamp 70 is asemiconductor light emitting element such as an LED and, although notshown in the drawings, is connected to the lighting control circuit 2 ina manner similar to the low beam light source 32 and other components.

With the above configuration, the following sequential lighting pattern,for example, can be achieved.

That is, all the light sources 32 and 42 a to 42 d of each of the lowbeam optical systems 30 a to 30 h and the ADB optical systems 40 a to 40c and the light source of the vehicular lamp 70 (not shown) are firstturned off. Then, only the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d of the ADBoptical system 40 a are simultaneously turned on. Next, the ADB lightsources 42 a to 42 d of the ADB optical system 40 a are turned off andonly the low beam light source 32 of the low beam optical system 30 a isturned on. Then, the low beam light source 32 of the low beam opticalsystem 30 a is turned off and only the low beam light source 32 of thelow beam optical system 30 b is turned on. Through repeating a similaron/off pattern and finally turning on and off the light source of thevehicular lamp 70 (not shown), there can be achieved a sequentiallighting pattern which is visually recognized as if the lit portionmoves from left to right in FIG. 16.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the lighting states ofthe low beam light sources 32 of each of the low beam optical systems 30a to 30 h and the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d of each of the ADBoptical systems 40 a to 40 c are individually controlled according to apreset lighting pattern (sequential lighting pattern), but the presentinvention is not limited to this example.

For example, the lighting states of the low beam light sources 32 ofeach of the low beam optical systems 30 a to 30 h and the ADB lightsources 42 a to 42 d of each of the ADB optical systems 40 a to 40 c maybe, for example, individually controlled based on a random lightingpattern or may be individually controlled based on various lightingpatterns other than a sequential lighting pattern.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the preset lightingpattern is a sequential lighting pattern, but the present invention isnot limited to this example.

For example, the preset lighting pattern may be a lighting patternincluding a pattern in which, at a certain timing, some of the low beamlight sources 32 among the plurality of low beam light sources 32 whichmake up the plurality of low beam optical systems 30 a to 30 h areturned on and the remainder of the low beam light sources 32 are turnedoff.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the locking signal orthe unlocking signal has been received (Step S10: Yes), the control unit3 individually controls the lighting states of the low beam lightsources 32 and the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 d according to thepreset lighting pattern, but the present invention is not limited tothis example. For example, the control unit 3 may individually controlthe lighting states of the low beam light sources 32 and the ADB lightsources 42 a to 42 d according to a preset lighting pattern at anotherpredetermined timing.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, when a low beam lightdistribution pattern is to be formed (or a high beam light distributionpattern is to be formed), the lighting states of the low beam lightsources 32 of each of the low beam optical systems 30 a to 30 h and theADB light sources 42 a to 42 d of each of the ADB optical systems 40 ato 40 h are controlled at the first power, whereas when a predeterminedstate has been detected, the lighting states of the low beam lightsources 32 of each of the low beam optical systems 30 a to 30 h and theADB light sources 42 a to 42 d of each of the ADB optical systems 40 ato 40 h are individually controlled at the second power which is lowerthan the first power. However, the present invention is not limited tothis example.

For example, when forming a low beam light distribution pattern (andwhen forming a high beam light distribution pattern) and a predeterminedstate is detected (for example, when reception of the locking signal forlocking a vehicle door or the unlocking signal for unlocking a vehicledoor has been detected), the lighting states of the low beam lightsources 32 of each of the low beam optical systems 30 a to 30 h and theADB light sources 42 a to 42 d of each of the ADB optical systems 40 ato 40 h may be controlled at the same power (for example, the firstpower).

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the low beam light sources32 of each of the low beam optical systems 30 a to 30 h are connected toeach other in series and the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 c of each ofthe ADB optical systems 40 a to 40 c are connected to each other inseries. As a result, the lighting states of the low beam light sources32 of each of the low beam optical systems 30 a to 30 h and the ADBlight sources 42 a to 42 c of each of the ADB optical systems 40 a to 40c are individually controlled, but the present invention is not limitedto this example.

For example, the lighting states of the low beam light sources 32 ofeach of the low beam optical systems 30 a to 30 h and the ADB lightsources 42 a to 42 c of each of the ADB optical systems 40 a to 40 c maybe individually controlled by connecting the low beam light sources 32of each of the low beam optical systems 30 a to 30 h to each other inparallel and connecting the ADB light sources 42 a to 42 c of each ofthe ADB optical systems 40 a to 40 c to each other in parallel.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, a step (Step S11) fordetermining whether or not a headlamp switch has been switched to a lowbeam setting or a high beam setting is provided after a step (Step S10)in which the controls means 1 detects a predetermined state, but thesesteps may be performed in the opposite order. Alternatively, a step fordetermining whether the engine is operating or the vehicle is travellingmay be provided before the step (Step S10) for detecting a predeterminedstate. If it is determined that the engine is operating or the vehicleis travelling, the step (Step S10) for detecting the predetermined statemay be omitted.

It goes without saying that the numbers in the above-describedembodiment are merely examples and other appropriate numbers may beused.

The various aspects of the above-described embodiment are merelyexemplary and the description of the embodiment is not intended to limitthe scope of the present invention. The present invention may beimplemented in numerous other ways without departing from the gist ormain technical characteristics of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicular headlamp comprising: a front lensbody extending in a predetermined direction; a plurality of opticalsystems disposed along the predetermined direction behind the front lensbody; and a control means, wherein the plurality of optical systems eachincludes: a rear lens unit disposed behind the front lens body; and alight source which is disposed behind the rear lens unit and emits lightwhich is irradiated forward permeating the rear lens unit and the frontlens body in that order to form a light distribution pattern for aheadlamp, and the control means individually controls lighting states ofthe light sources in each of the plurality of optical systems.
 2. Thevehicular headlamp according to claim 1, wherein the rear lens unit is alens unit configured to condense, in a first direction, light from thelight source which permeates the rear lens unit, and the front lens bodyis a lens unit configured to condense, in a second direction orthogonalto the first direction, light from the rear lens unit which permeatesthe front lens body.
 3. The vehicular headlamp according to claim 1,further comprising: a detection means which detects a predeterminedstate, wherein the control means individually controls the lightingstates of the light sources in each of the plurality of optical systems,when the detection means detects the predetermined state.
 4. Thevehicular headlamp according to claim 3, wherein in the case of formingthe light distribution pattern, the control means controls the lightingstates of the light sources in each of the plurality of optical systemsat a first power and, when the detection means detects the predeterminedstate, the control means individually controls the lighting states ofthe light sources in each of the plurality of optical systems at asecond power lower than the first power.
 5. The vehicular headlampaccording to claim 3, wherein the predetermined state is reception of alocking signal for locking a vehicle door, or an unlocking signal forunlocking a vehicle door.
 6. The vehicular headlamp according to claim3, wherein the control means individually controls the lighting statesof the light sources in each of the plurality of optical systemsaccording to a predetermined lighting pattern, when the detection meansdetects the predetermined state.
 7. The vehicular headlamp according toclaim 6, wherein the lighting pattern is a sequential lighting pattern.8. The vehicular headlamp according to claim 4, wherein the plurality ofoptical systems includes an ADB optical system, the ADB optical systemincludes: an ADB rear lens unit disposed behind the front lens body; andN number of ADB light sources which are disposed behind the ADB rearlens body and each emits light which is irradiated forward permeatingthe ADB rear lens unit and the front lens body in that order to form alight distribution pattern for ADB, and the control means individuallycontrols each of the N number of ADB light sources at a power which is1/N of the second power, when the detection means detects thepredetermined state.
 9. The vehicular headlamp according to claim 1,wherein the front lens body includes: a light incident surface extendingin the predetermined direction and a light exiting surface extending inthe predetermined direction on a side opposite to the light incidentsurface; and the light incident surface is a surface at which light fromthe plurality of optical systems enters the front lens body, and thelight exiting surface is a surface at which light from the plurality ofoptical systems which has entered from the light incident surface exits,and at least one of the light incident surface and the light exitingsurface is a cylindrical surface in which a cylindrical axis extends inthe predetermined direction.
 10. The vehicular headlamp according toclaim 1, wherein the plurality of optical systems includes at least oneof a low beam optical system, a high beam optical system and an ADBoptical system, the low beam optical system includes a low beam rearlens unit disposed behind the front lens body and a low beam lightsource which is disposed behind the low beam rear lens unit and emitslight which is irradiated forward permeating the low beam rear lens unitand the front lens body in that order to form a light distributionpattern for low beam, the high beam optical system includes a high beamrear lens unit disposed behind the front lens body and a high beam lightsource which is disposed behind the high beam rear lens unit and emitslight which is irradiated forward permeating the high beam rear lensunit and the front lens body in that order to form a light distributionpattern for high beam, and the ADB optical system includes an ADB rearlens unit disposed behind the front lens body and a plurality of ADBlight source which is disposed behind the ADB rear lens body and emitslight which is irradiated forward permeating the ADB rear lens unit andthe front lens body in that order to form a light distribution patternfor ADB.
 11. The vehicular headlamp according to claim 3, wherein theplurality of optical systems includes a plurality of low beam opticalsystems each including a low beam rear lens unit disposed behind thefront lens body and a low beam light source which is disposed behind thelow beam rear lens unit and emits light which is irradiated forwardpermeating the low beam rear lens unit and the front lens body in thatorder to form a light distribution pattern for low beam, and the controlmeans performs control at a certain timing so as to turn on at leastsome of the low beam light sources among the plurality of low beam lightsources which make up the plurality of low beam optical systems and turnoff the remainder of the low beam light sources, when the detectionmeans detects the predetermined state.
 12. A vehicular lamp systemcomprising: a vehicular headlamp; a vehicular lamp; and a control means,wherein the vehicular headlamp includes: a front lens body extending ina predetermined direction; and a plurality of optical systems disposedalong the predetermined direction behind the front lens body, whereinthe plurality of optical systems each includes: a rear lens unitdisposed behind the front lens body; and a light source which isdisposed behind the rear lens unit and emits light which is irradiatedforward permeating the rear lens unit and the front lens body in thatorder to form a light distribution pattern for a headlamp, and thecontrol means individually controls lighting states of the light sourcesin each of the plurality of optical systems and lighting states of alight sources of the vehicular lamp.